Hurricane Milton takes aim at Florida after deadly storm Helene

Hurricane Milton is threatening to grow even stronger, possibly reaching Category 4 power, and may spark the largest evacuation in seven years as it aims for Florida’s Gulf Coast and Tampa.

The storm has the potential to cause billions of dollars in damage and heap more misery on a state and region still reeling from Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago.

Milton’s top winds reached 137km/h (85mph), up from 72km/h, meaning it’s rapidly intensifying. That situation, in which a storm’s winds strengthen by about 65km/h in 24 hours or less, can have dangerous consequences for people in its path, the US National Hurricane Centre said.

Prior to landfall October 9, the storm is on course for 233km/h winds. It’s likely to hit shore a bit weaker but still able to tear roofs off buildings, snap trees and cause long-lasting power outages.

Some computer models say Milton could become a Category 5 as it nears Florida. In addition, while compact now, Milton will likely become a large storm at landfall, “with very dangerous impacts spread out over a big area,” said Eric Blake, a forecaster at the centre.